Scholarship in Belgium: Requirements and more

Belgium, known for its history, cultural diversity and excellent education system, is an ideal destination for those seeking to study in Europe. In addition to offering world-renowned universities, such as the University of Ghent or the Catholic University of Leuven (from which you’ll find a scholarship here), Belgium has a wide range of scholarships that facilitate access to higher education, reducing the associated costs. In 2025, studying in Belgium will become even more accessible thanks to new initiatives that promote student mobility, providing greater opportunities for international students from all over the world, in this article we will tell you about the best scholarships to study in Belgium.

In this article, we’ll tell you about the general requirements, the application process and some practical tips to maximise your chances of obtaining these scholarships. At the end, you’ll find useful information on how to prepare yourself to take advantage of these opportunities and live an enriching academic experience in a country that combines tradition and innovation in a multicultural environment that is very attractive for learning. If you’re thinking of taking the next step in your education and consider Belgium as an ideal destination, it’s important that you have unlimited internet to maintain your connectivity and communication with family, friends and relatives.

The best scholarships to study in Belgium

Belgium has a diverse range of scholarship programmes designed for international students wishing to pursue higher education in Belgium. These scholarships focus on academic excellence and promote diversity and international collaboration. Here is a detailed list of the main scholarships available in Belgium for the year 2025, including their requirements, benefits and how to apply for each of them.

Studying in Belgium: VLIR-UOS (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad) scholarships for courses and master’s degrees

• The VLIR-UOS scholarships are a Belgian government initiative that aims to strengthen development in low- and middle-income countries through academic training. These scholarships are aimed at students who wish to pursue Master’s programmes or training courses at Flemish universities in Belgium.
• General requirements:
  • Come from one of the eligible countries (mainly Africa, Asia and Latin America).
  • Have a university degree and an outstanding academic average.
  • Have knowledge of the language in which the programme is taught (English or French).
  • Commit to return to their home country after completing their studies.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full tuition fees.
  • Accommodation, transport and medical insurance.
  • A monthly allowance for living expenses.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Master’s programmes and vocational training courses.
• Addressed to:
  • Students from developing countries, preferably with experience in sustainable development issues.
• How to apply?
  • Through the official VLIR-UOS website, where you can find the list of programmes and the application form: https://www.vliruos.be.
• Opening date: November.
• Closing date: February of the following year.

Scholarship: Master Mind of the Flemish Government

• This programme is designed for outstanding students from all over the world who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at one of the universities in the Flanders region. It’s one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the regional government.
• General requirements:
  • Have been accepted in a Master’s programme at a Flemish university.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.
  • Provide letters of recommendation and a motivational essay.
  • Fluency in English or French, depending on the language of the programme.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • An amount of up to €8,400 ($8,797.19) per year.
  • Partial tuition waiver (students only have to pay a reduced administrative fee).
• Type of studies offered:
  • Master’s programmes in various academic areas.
• Addressed to:
  • International students with outstanding academic performance.
• How to apply?
  • Application must be made through the university to which the student has been admitted. More information on the official website: https://www.studyinflanders.be.
• Opening date: February.
• Closing date: April.

(Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur) ARES Grants

• The ARES scholarships are intended for students from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s or continuing education programme at higher education institutions in the Walloon region of Belgium.
• General requirements:
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country (mainly from Africa, Asia and Latin America).
  • Have relevant work experience (at least two years in the related area).
  • Hold a university degree and have an outstanding academic record.
  • Be under 40 years of age for master’s degrees and 45 years of age for training courses.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full enrolment.
  • Return trip expenses.
  • Monthly allowance to cover board and lodging.
  • Health insurance
• Type of studies offered:
  • Masters and continuing education courses in priority areas such as sustainable development, public health and agriculture.
• Addressed to:
  • International students interested in contributing to the development of their communities.
• How to apply?
  • Directly on the ARES portal: https://www.ares-ac.be.
• Opening date: September.
• Closing date: December.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) Grants

• The Erasmus Mundus programme offers full scholarships for joint master’s degrees at multiple European universities, including several Belgian institutions. It’s a unique opportunity to obtain an internationally recognised qualification.
• General requirements:
  • Have a relevant undergraduate degree.
  • Excellent academic performance.
  • Send a letter of motivation, academic references and language tests (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Tuition fees.
  • Travel expenses and insurance.
  • Monthly allowance of up to €1,000 ($1,047.29) for the duration of the programme.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Master’s programmes in multidisciplinary areas.
• Addressed to:
  • International students from all over the world.
• How to apply?
  • Through the Erasmus Mundus programme catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu.
• Opening date: October.
• Closing date: January of the following year.

University of Leuven (KU Leuven) Scholarships

• The University of Leuven offers scholarships for international students interested in Master’s programmes in areas such as science, engineering and humanities.
• General requirements:
  • Hold an undergraduate degree.
  • Have a high academic average.
  • Submit a letter of motivation and academic references.
  • Demonstrate competence in the programme language (English or Dutch).
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Tuition fee reduction.
  • Partial grants for board and lodging.
  • Access to academic counselling services.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Master’s programmes.
• Addressed to:
  • International students interested in specific areas of study.
• How to apply?
  • Via the KU Leuven website: https://www.kuleuven.be.
• Opening date: November.
• Closing date: March of the following year.

Intra-ACP Academic Mobility Scheme Scholarship

Issuing entity: European Union.

• General description: Programme designed for students from African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries wishing to study at European universities, including Belgian universities.
• General requirements:
  • Be a citizen of one of the ACP countries.
  • Be enrolled in or have completed studies at a recognised university.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full payment of tuition fees.
  • Transport and visa costs.
  • Monthly stipend of between €600 ($628.37) and €1,000 ($1,047.29), depending on the level of studies.
• Type of studies offered: Undergraduate, masters, doctorates and short courses.
• Target group: Students from ACP countries interested in furthering their higher education.
• How to apply? Via the programme’s website (www.intra-acp.com).
• Opening date: Varies according to the university.
• Opening date: Varies according to the university.

Scholarships for International Students of the University of Liège (Uliège)

Issuing entity: University of Liège.

• General description: Scholarships for non-EU students for master’s and doctoral programmes at university level.
• General requirements:
  • Be accepted in a master’s or doctoral programme at the University of Liège.
  • Have an outstanding academic record.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full or partial exemption from tuition fees.
  • Monthly allowance to cover basic expenses.
• Type of studies offered: Master’s degrees and doctorates in areas such as engineering, natural sciences, health and humanities.
• Target group: International students from outside the EU.
• How to apply? Via the university’s official website(link here).
• Opening date: January.
• Closing date: May.

HSP Huygens Scholarship

Issuing entity: Government of the Netherlands (also applicable to Belgium in joint programmes).

• General description: Scholarships for international students of academic excellence interested in pursuing a Master’s degree at Belgian and Dutch universities.
• General requirements:
  • Have an outstanding grade point average.
  • Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
  • Submit a letter of academic recommendation.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • €10,000 ($10,472.85) per year to cover tuition, accommodation and transport.
  • Health insurance
• Type of studies offered: Master’s programmes and some specialisations.
• Aimed at: International students with excellent academic performance.
• How to apply? Via the programme’s website (nuffic.nl).
• Opening date: October.
• Closing date: March.

Tips on how to get a scholarship in Belgium

Belgium is a country with a strong academic tradition and numerous scholarships for international students. However, the process of obtaining these scholarships can be competitive. Here are some personalised tips to maximise your chances of obtaining a scholarship in this destination:

1. Research programmes aligned with your interests and academic goals

In Belgium, many scholarships are linked to specific areas of study, such as sustainable development, engineering or social sciences. Before applying, identify the programmes that best fit your career goals. Also, make sure that the university or institution offering the scholarship is reputable in your area of interest. For example, the VLIR-UOS grants prioritise sustainability-related projects in developing countries.

2. Master the language of the programme

Although Belgium is a multilingual country, many scholarships and study programmes are taught in English, French or Dutch. To stand out, it’s crucial that you have a good command of the language in which the course is taught. Be sure to present certificates such as TOEFL, IELTS or DELF to support your level of language proficiency.

3. Highlight your commitment to international development

Several scholarship programmes, such as VLIR-UOS and ARES, seek candidates committed to the development of their home countries. Therefore, in your motivation letter and interviews, highlight how your studies in Belgium will contribute to the social or economic progress of your region. Provide concrete examples of your previous achievements or projects related to this field.

4. Familiarise yourself with the Flemish and Walloon education systems

The Belgian education system varies from region to region. While Flanders offers a more research-oriented academic experience, Walloon focuses on practical areas and technical training. Investigate in depth how these regions and their institutions work, and select the one that best suits your interests.

5. Take advantage of workshops and information sessions at Belgian embassies

Belgian embassies in various countries often organise information sessions on scholarships and studies in Belgium. Participating in these events will help you to better understand the application process and can also serve as an opportunity to network and resolve questions directly with official representatives.

6. Apply for scholarships in more than one call

Belgium has a wide variety of scholarships, each with different criteria and deadlines. Apply to several to increase your chances of success. Many Belgian universities also offer internal financial support, so don’t limit yourself to government scholarships.

Top universities to study in Belgium

Belgium is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious academic institutions, renowned for excellence in areas such as research, applied sciences and the humanities. Here are some of the top universities in the country and the recommended degree programmes at each:

1. Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven)

• Areas of specialisation: Engineering, Computer Science, Social Sciences and Law.
• Reputation: It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, located in the heart of Flanders. KU Leuven is renowned for its focus on innovation and research.
• Recommended programmes:
  • Mechanical Engineering.
  • Master in International Law.
  • Sustainability and climate change programmes.

2. Free University of Brussels (ULB)

• Areas of specialisation: Political Science, Economics, Biomedical Sciences and International Relations.
• Reputation: Located in the Walloon region, ULB is known for its interdisciplinary approach and cultural diversity.
• Recommended programmes:
  • Master’s degree in Political Science and Diplomacy.
  • Biotechnology and Health Sciences.

3. University of Ghent

• Focus areas: Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Technology and Architecture.
• Reputation: Known for innovations in sustainable technology and collaboration with industry.
• Recommended programmes:
  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Master of Architecture.
  • Agriculture and Biosciences.

4. University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen)

• Areas of specialisation: International Business, Arts, History and Computer Science.
• Reputation: One of the most dynamic universities in Belgium, located in a key cultural and commercial centre.
• Recommended programmes:
  • Master in International Economics.
  • Art History and Museum Studies.

5. University of Liège (Uliège)

• Main areas: Medicine, veterinary medicine, aerospace engineering and natural sciences.
• Reputation: This Walloon institution is renowned for its excellence in applied research.
• Recommended programmes:
  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Medicine and Surgery.
  • Natural Sciences and Molecular Biology.

Frequently Asked Questions about scholarships to study in Belgium

Belgium presents itself as an exceptional academic destination, with a comprehensive and accessible scholarship offer for students from all over the world. By following these tips and exploring the top universities, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your academic and professional goals in this European country.

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